Many couples often look for some entertainment during the wedding day to add splash of drama and wow factor to the proceedings.  A popular choice is a ‘release’ of some description whether it is butterflies, balloons, doves, or fireworks and these are all popular crowd pleasers.  Now there is another option to add to the list with the choice of a sky lantern release.

Sky Lanterns are traditionally used in Asian festivals where the rise of the Lantern symbolises their troubles and woes floating away to be replaced with good luck and fortune in the future.  They look a bit like those large paper lampshades that you can pick up in the Marketplace section of Ikea or your local DIY store and are made from biodegradable paper so tick all the right boxes for an eco friendly display.  The flame lit underneath provides the uplift using the same principle as a hot air balloon to float the lanterns into the sky on a calm dark evening for a dramatic display.  If you cannot visualise the effect then take a look at two of the leading companies in the field, Light a Lantern or SkyLanterns.com to see a video of a sky lantern release.  Both of these companies offer wedding packages.

The Lanterns can be used both day and night and although coloured lanterns can be used for a daytime display they still do not match the dramatic effect of a night time release.  You can ask your guests to write their own good luck messages on the lanterns which can be read by the bride and groom whilst the crescendo of the release reaches its final moments.  I think it makes a more romantic alternative to a firework display but is best suited for a summer marquee wedding.  Firstly, the weather conditions can be better guaranteed in the summer and strong wind and rain will ruin the display.  Secondly, a marquee wedding where your guests are already outside makes the display seem more spontaneous and your guests will not have to be rounded up like sheep and paraded into the gardens to view the release.

Prices for a Sky Lantern release vary according to the number of Lanterns, size of lantern, whether you are releasing them yourself or getting a professional display.  As a very rough guide a diy approach can cost a few hundred pounds and a managed display can cost upwards of £800.

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